The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hosted their fourth "Project Nunway" fashion show fundraiser in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2012, capping World AIDS Day weekend with a riotous display of creativity for a cause. Some 22 contestants and their designers (charged with using recycled materials) competed for the title and a gift basket from Kryolan, with the theme of "Flora." Sister Tilly Comes Again emerged the winner, with a costume called "Autumn Leaves You Breathless," with a mohawk-style headpiece that towered 10 feet in the air, which she designed with construction assistance from construction assistance by friends Ross Caperton and Sister Pat N Leather. The event was conducted in a tent at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park, and included a performance by rap duo Double Duchess and Honey Mahogany, a contestant on TV reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race." The nuns are a queer order established in 1979 to fight for human rights and against religious intolerance using humor and art as tools. less

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hosted their fourth "Project Nunway" fashion show fundraiser in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2012, capping World AIDS Day weekend with a riotous display of creativity for a ... more

Natalie Rantanen, one of the organizers of Project Nunway IV. Photo-3835599.53331 - SFGate

Image 4 of 68

"Project Nunway IV" judges had their work cut out for them, with a field of highly creative looks. From left to right: activisit Tita Aida, fashion designer Jared Garza, Gabby Lala, and Kari Byron of TV's "Mythbusters." The fifth judge, artist Nayland Blake, is not shown in this photo. less

"Project Nunway IV" judges had their work cut out for them, with a field of highly creative looks. From left to right: activisit Tita Aida, fashion designer Jared Garza, Gabby Lala, and Kari Byron of TV's ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

"Project Nunway IV" judges had their work cut out for... Photo-3835170.53331 - SFGate

Image 5 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 6 of 68

Sister Bella de Ball in her own original design, which she told us was called "Cherokee Rose."

Sister Bella de Ball in her own original design, which she told us was called "Cherokee Rose."

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Bella de Ball in her own original design, which she told us... Photo-3835150.53331 - SFGate

Image 7 of 68

Guard TheOpressed and his designer, Emanuel Garcia, show off a look made of leather and vinyl.

Guard TheOpressed and his designer, Emanuel Garcia, show off a look made of leather and vinyl.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Guard TheOpressed and his designer, Emanuel Garcia, show off a look... Photo-3835174.53331 - SFGate

Image 8 of 68

Fashion designer Jared Garza, one of the organizers of last year's Project Nunway, had a new role this year as a judge.

Fashion designer Jared Garza, one of the organizers of last year's Project Nunway, had a new role this year as a judge.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Fashion designer Jared Garza, one of the organizers of last... Photo-3835177.53331 - SFGate

Image 9 of 68

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel, one of five finalists in the competition, wears an original design of faux flowers by Sister Pat N. Leather for the House of Frisqué.

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel, one of five finalists in the competition, wears an original design of faux flowers by Sister Pat N. Leather for the House of Frisqué.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel, one of five finalists in the... Photo-3835186.53331 - SFGate

Image 10 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 11 of 68

Sister Merry Peter in an original design by Coy Ellison and Sal Meza. The costume called, "The Blooming Sister," was designed to evoke "the fairy magic of your home garden," to fit the "Flora" theme, the sister said. Her designers spent 15 hours blowing up the recycled, biodegradable balloons and twisting them into designs for the costume. Ellison worked for a year with Barnum & Bailey circus; Meza works at Balloons a Go-Go. less

Sister Merry Peter in an original design by Coy Ellison and Sal Meza. The costume called, "The Blooming Sister," was designed to evoke "the fairy magic of your home garden," to fit the "Flora" theme, the sister ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Merry Peter in an original design by Coy Ellison and Sal... Photo-3835209.53331 - SFGate

Image 12 of 68

Sister Phyliss wears an original design by Kalico Delafay, who works at Dark Garden, called "Rose Azure," or blue rose. "It's something that doesn't happen in nature -- it's cold, artificial and a little dangerous," said Sister Phyliss. "We wanted salon-girl chic, but really, we're capitalizing on my legs." less

Sister Phyliss wears an original design by Kalico Delafay, who works at Dark Garden, called "Rose Azure," or blue rose. "It's something that doesn't happen in nature -- it's cold, artificial and a little ... more

Sister Tain't a Virgin wears an original design by Mei-Ling Humphries called "Venus Flytrap." "I wanted to do something floral, but not cutesy," the sister said. "It's a recycled dress. It was dark navy blue, and it has been coated with layers of fabric paint." less

Sister Tain't a Virgin wears an original design by Mei-Ling Humphries called "Venus Flytrap." "I wanted to do something floral, but not cutesy," the sister said. "It's a recycled dress. It was dark navy blue, ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Tain't a Virgin wears an original design by Mei-Ling... Photo-3835265.53331 - SFGate

Image 14 of 68

Sister Connie Pinko wears an original design by Ruby Vixen called "Tiptoe Through the Tulips." It was composed of recycled fabric from Scrap SF and the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and took two months to create. The full skirt was removed on the runway with a grand flourish to show a daring shorter skirt underneath. less

Sister Connie Pinko wears an original design by Ruby Vixen called "Tiptoe Through the Tulips." It was composed of recycled fabric from Scrap SF and the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and took two months to ... more

Sister Anni Coque l'Doo in an original design by Guadalupe “Lupe” Martinez, called "Bird of Paradise." The black-and-white gown was topped by a headpiece that had black fringe extending outward for several feet from bug-like tentacles. It was her first time competing in the contest and she said she was inspired by "the location and the theme." less

Sister Anni Coque l'Doo in an original design by Guadalupe “Lupe” Martinez, called "Bird of Paradise." The black-and-white gown was topped by a headpiece that had black fringe extending outward for several ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Anni Coque l'Doo in an original design by Guadalupe... Photo-3835364.53331 - SFGate

Image 17 of 68

Sister Dana Van Iquity in an original design by Danimal, called "Pussy Please," which the emcees told the crowd cost a mere $7 to make.

Sister Dana Van Iquity in an original design by Danimal, called "Pussy Please," which the emcees told the crowd cost a mere $7 to make.

Sister Zsa Zsa Glamour in an original design by Evan Kaminsky and Will Wratten, called "The Garden of Heathen." It consisted of living moss which she grew from seeds bought in a TV informercial. ""It took a week and a half fro them to grow, but we've been working on this costume for months," she said. less

Sister Zsa Zsa Glamour in an original design by Evan Kaminsky and Will Wratten, called "The Garden of Heathen." It consisted of living moss which she grew from seeds bought in a TV informercial. ""It took a ... more

Sister Lilith of the Valley of the Shadow of Death in an original design that she created with Moda Isabella, called "Trapped in Chintz." Insect-like wings emanate from the back of the gown.

Sister Lilith of the Valley of the Shadow of Death in an original design that she created with Moda Isabella, called "Trapped in Chintz." Insect-like wings emanate from the back of the gown.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Lilith of the Valley of the Shadow of Death in an original... Photo-3835410.53331 - SFGate

Image 20 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 21 of 68

Sister Bettty Tastewell in a self-designed original with construction assistance by Sister Pat N. Leather, called "Elun, Guardian of the Forest." An old corset was covered with new fabric to make the top of the outfit, while the skirt was made from shredded curtains. The sister used one half of the outer casing from an electric fan as her shield, gluing leaves on it for a woodland effect. less

Sister Bettty Tastewell in a self-designed original with construction assistance by Sister Pat N. Leather, called "Elun, Guardian of the Forest." An old corset was covered with new fabric to make the top of the ... more

Sister Sister Mina J'trois in an original design by Postulant Otter Be Anya Knees (a/k/a Joshua Devore) called "Bippity Boppity Boobs," made of recycled light bulbs spray-painted red and tipped with empty morphine ampules and leftover Halloween decorations. "It took two months to make," she said, "and the thing that inspired it all was the lampshade found on a street. I thought it would make a great collar." (The lampshade is the blue thing jutting out from her back.) less

Sister Sister Mina J'trois in an original design by Postulant Otter Be Anya Knees (a/k/a Joshua Devore) called "Bippity Boppity Boobs," made of recycled light bulbs spray-painted red and tipped with empty ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Sister Mina J'trois in an original design by Postulant... Photo-3835483.53331 - SFGate

Image 23 of 68

The ever-inventive Sister Tuna Noodle Casserole wears an original design by Max Davidson and Tony Gorzycki, made of an old kimono, 500 handmade applique flowers on the train, and a headpiece made of pieces of Astroturf bent into ribbon-like curls. The emcees said the garment was called "Flower Ceremony Kimono." less

The ever-inventive Sister Tuna Noodle Casserole wears an original design by Max Davidson and Tony Gorzycki, made of an old kimono, 500 handmade applique flowers on the train, and a headpiece made of pieces of ... more

Sister Agnes Dei' Afta Tamara in an original design by Paul Ellis, called "The Bad Seed: Birth of a New Order." The sister found plastic baby doll heads and put them within a bush-like arrangement of leaves on her costume, to represent "new sisters sprouting out of the bush," she said. She sprinkled gold glitter as she walked the runway to represent pollination. less

Sister Agnes Dei' Afta Tamara in an original design by Paul Ellis, called "The Bad Seed: Birth of a New Order." The sister found plastic baby doll heads and put them within a bush-like arrangement of leaves on ... more

Sister Flora Goodthyme wears an original design by Tania Seabock, called "Winter Flowers." The sister was hit by a car last year and broke her femur. This was her first time walking in platform shoes since the accident. less

Sister Flora Goodthyme wears an original design by Tania Seabock, called "Winter Flowers." The sister was hit by a car last year and broke her femur. This was her first time walking in platform shoes since the ... more

Guests applaud the contestants on the runway. Photo-3835530.53331 - SFGate

Image 30 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 31 of 68

Among the performers at Project Nunway IV was the hip hop duo "Double Duchess." Here is one of the two in the band.

Among the performers at Project Nunway IV was the hip hop duo "Double Duchess." Here is one of the two in the band.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Among the performers at Project Nunway IV was the hip hop duo... Photo-3835536.53331 - SFGate

Image 32 of 68

Sister Baba Ganesh was one of the organizers of Project Nunway IV, a fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on Dec. 2, 2012 in San Francisco. Tickets ran from $201.2 to $99.99 for Diva all-access passes. less

Sister Baba Ganesh was one of the organizers of Project Nunway IV, a fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on Dec. 2, 2012 in San Francisco. Tickets ran from $201.2 to $99.99 for Diva all-access ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Baba Ganesh was one of the organizers of Project Nunway IV,... Photo-3835540.53331 - SFGate

Image 33 of 68

Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's (here in a blue wig) was a co-host of Project Nunway IV with 2012 Pride Grand Marshall Sister Roma (not pictured.)

Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's (here in a blue wig) was a co-host of Project Nunway IV with 2012 Pride Grand Marshall Sister Roma (not pictured.)

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's (here in a blue wig) was a co-host... Photo-3835543.53331 - SFGate

What's a fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence without a little temptation? Thank you, Stolichnaya vodka.

What's a fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence without a little temptation? Thank you, Stolichnaya vodka.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

What's a fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence... Photo-3835554.53331 - SFGate

Image 37 of 68

Project Nunway IV's creative director, creator and producer, Sister Baba Ganesh, with Honey Mahogany, who sang for the crowd. The San Francisco native is also a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, the TV reality show. less

Project Nunway IV's creative director, creator and producer, Sister Baba Ganesh, with Honey Mahogany, who sang for the crowd. The San Francisco native is also a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, the TV reality ... more

A pre-show look at Sister Mary MaeHimm in an original design by Julie Baron called "Beyond the Valley of the Dahlias."

A pre-show look at Sister Mary MaeHimm in an original design by Julie Baron called "Beyond the Valley of the Dahlias."

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

A pre-show look at Sister Mary MaeHimm in an original design by... Photo-3835637.53331 - SFGate

Image 43 of 68

Sister Eden in an original design by Fernando Ruiz called "Strange Gardens, Dangerous Fruits."

Sister Eden in an original design by Fernando Ruiz called "Strange Gardens, Dangerous Fruits."

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Eden in an original design by Fernando Ruiz called... Photo-3835646.53331 - SFGate

Image 44 of 68

A closer, pre-show look at Sister Zsa Zsa Glamour in an original design by Evan Kaminsky and Will Wratten called "The Garden of Heathen," made of living moss and plastic flower leis, among other things.

A closer, pre-show look at Sister Zsa Zsa Glamour in an original design by Evan Kaminsky and Will Wratten called "The Garden of Heathen," made of living moss and plastic flower leis, among other things.

Co-emcees Jane Wiedlin (left) of the legendary all-girl band the Go-Go's, and Sister Roma. They did a masterful job of guiding guests through an event that started at 3:30 and ended a bit after 7 p.m. that included walks down the runway by 22 contestants, live music by Double Duchess, a blessing of the newly installed boulder commemorating deceased Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a veiling of a new sister, interviews with the top five winners and (deep breath) the announcement of the winning costume. less

Co-emcees Jane Wiedlin (left) of the legendary all-girl band the Go-Go's, and Sister Roma. They did a masterful job of guiding guests through an event that started at 3:30 and ended a bit after 7 p.m. that ... more

Sister Gina Tonic in an original design that she created with Roxanne Kelly, called "Bee-Utiful: Save the Bees." It was made of flowers made from recycled book pages, attached to the body of the dress, with the flowers dotted with fake bees. "We're all about saving the bees because of colony collapse," the sister said. less

Sister Gina Tonic in an original design that she created with Roxanne Kelly, called "Bee-Utiful: Save the Bees." It was made of flowers made from recycled book pages, attached to the body of the dress, with the ... more

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Gina Tonic in an original design that she created with... Photo-3835700.53331 - SFGate

Image 48 of 68

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel in a dress made of faux flowers, and Sister Pat N' Leather -- dressed as Edward Scissorhands -- who designed the look for the House of Frisqué.

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel in a dress made of faux flowers, and Sister Pat N' Leather -- dressed as Edward Scissorhands -- who designed the look for the House of Frisqué.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Sister Risque of the Sissytine Chapel in a dress made of faux... Photo-3835712.53331 - SFGate

Image 49 of 68

Dee Flower, Mae Joy B. With U

Dee Flower, Mae Joy B. With U

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Dee Flower, Mae Joy B. With U Photo-3835769.53331 - SFGate

Image 50 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 51 of 68

Drew Cutler, Patrick Gallineaux

Drew Cutler, Patrick Gallineaux

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Drew Cutler, Patrick Gallineaux Photo-3835768.53331 - SFGate

Image 52 of 68

Rachel Wood, Crystal Hermann

Rachel Wood, Crystal Hermann

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Rachel Wood, Crystal Hermann Photo-3835752.53331 - SFGate

Image 53 of 68

Kenshi Westover, Scott Naylor

Kenshi Westover, Scott Naylor

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Kenshi Westover, Scott Naylor Photo-3835747.53331 - SFGate

Image 54 of 68

Tanya Seabock, Jim Everingham

Tanya Seabock, Jim Everingham

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Tanya Seabock, Jim Everingham Photo-3835748.53331 - SFGate

Image 55 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 56 of 68

Jared Garza, Rae Raucci

Jared Garza, Rae Raucci

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Jared Garza, Rae Raucci Photo-3835746.53331 - SFGate

Image 57 of 68

Julie Baron

Julie Baron

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Julie Baron Photo-3835745.53331 - SFGate

Image 58 of 68

Kalico Delafey

Kalico Delafey

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Kalico Delafey Photo-3835741.53331 - SFGate

Image 59 of 68

Alejandro Valencia

Alejandro Valencia

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Alejandro Valencia Photo-3835739.53331 - SFGate

Image 60 of 68

Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53331 - SFGate

Image 61 of 68

Paul Edward Blackburn, Jet Black

Paul Edward Blackburn, Jet Black

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Paul Edward Blackburn, Jet Black Photo-3835736.53331 - SFGate

Image 62 of 68

Viola Booth, Christopher Rebagliati

Viola Booth, Christopher Rebagliati

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Viola Booth, Christopher Rebagliati Photo-3835737.53331 - SFGate

Image 63 of 68

Ken Foster, Kathy Budas

Ken Foster, Kathy Budas

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography

Ken Foster, Kathy Budas Photo-3835733.53331 - SFGate

Image 64 of 68

Jordan Wheeler and Mitchell Koonce in flowers that Jordan designed himself.

Jordan Wheeler and Mitchell Koonce in flowers that Jordan designed himself.